Headlining this year’s Bow Wow Brunch Cruise are a Halloween-themed dog costume contest and a visit by Chopper the Biker Dog. The Boston terrier and registered therapy dog is a San Diego favorite who regularly visits Southern California hospitals, hospices and nursing homes.

After boarding, people will enjoy an onboard buffet complete with free-flowing sparkling wine, mimosas and delicious desserts – just like the one offered on Hornblower’s weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises. At the same time, pet guests get top treatment throughout the festive afternoon. An open-air dog relief walk will be set up on the yacht’s sun deck, and water bowls keep pups feeling refreshed. Each canine receives a special to-go doggie buffet bag to take home, packed with treats and products from Petco. And, Hornblower staff members take measures to ensure the safety of all furry first mates.

The dogs and owners who collect prizes in the costume contest are not the only winners on this two-hour cruise, because a portion of event proceeds benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. For more than 30 years, the private, non-profit organization has been saving the lives of animals and enriching the lives of people. In addition to providing humane care and adoption for orphaned animals, the center also administers animal-related educational programs.

One dog per adult is invited on the 2012 Bow Wow Brunch Cruise. Dogs must be manageable and on a leash at all times. Boarding begins at 11:30 a.m. at Hornblower’s Grape Street Pier (1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101), and cruising follows from noon to 2 p.m. Pups enjoy complimentary entrance, while tickets for people are $69 per adult, $43.40 for children ages 4-12 and free for ages three and under. Discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military.

For Bow Wow Brunch Cruise reservations, or to learn more about Hornblower’s daily, charter and special event cruises on San Diego Bay, visit www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd+bowwowbrunch or call 619-686-8715.

1) One dog per adult is welcome. The event is not open to dogs under six months of age.

2) Waiver forms (provided upon ticket purchase) must be completed prior to boarding.

3) Dogs must wear current rabies vaccination and identification tags to board.

4) All dogs MUST be on a leash at all times.

5) Owners must clean up after their dogs.

6) No dogs in heat are allowed.

7) The cruise is not recommended for dogs that are sensitive to movement or prone to motion sickness.

8) This event is not appropriate for dogs that are unpredictable in crowds or dislike strangers or other dogs.

9) This event is for dogs and people only. Please do not bring other pets.

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Hornblower Cruises & Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for over 30 years. The company operates 32 vessels in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego. The 1000 passenger Inspiration Hornblower is one of San Diego’s premier venues. In addition, Hornblower San Diego offers seasonal Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures and year round Harbor Cruises. For more information visit: www.hornblower.com/pressroom.